[Ivan Mazepa]

I’m not saying Westerners subsidize the East, subsidies are from the central government in Kiev. The East contributes the most to the country’s budget, but they also take out the most. It’s a zero sum game, the net benefit is zero, (or negative, I can’t recall at the moment) I can post a reference when I get home, if you like

[cunning_fish]

>>I can post a reference when I get home, if you like<<

You are welcome.

>>subsidies are from the central government in Kiev. <<

I’m not asking who are redistributing wealth, but who are earning that money....

>>The East contributes the most to the country’s budget<<

...and here it seems to be your answer.

Under such conditions you cans say the East is subsidized by the government in Kiev.

In reality it is feeding both the West and corrupt central government, being robbed blind by the latter and given back right enough to stay afloat near bankruptcy.